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Paterson Youth to Particpate in the Home Run Derby

TheAlternativePress.com Staff

Monday, July 15, 2013 • 1:42pm

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What for many is something unreachable, to Edwin Mendez became a reality thanks to his participation in the baseball program "Paterson RBI." This program began in the city of Paterson looking to promote baseball in the city and persuading young people to participate in the baseball program, and not only to become good baseball players, but also contribute to the community in which they live.

Mendez was picked in a raffle within all the players who participate in this prestigious program in the city of Paterson.

To the father of Edwin, who shares his name and serves as a barber in Paterson, said that when they called to notify the news that his child was going to participate in the Home Run Derby competition at Citi Field, he thought it was a joke. "When they called me, I asked them to stop joking with me, because that was not possible. Then, I talked with executives of the Paterson RBI program and that's when I started to realize this dream. I am very grateful to Paterson RBI Program and its executives for providing my child with the opportunity to live this great experience. This only happens once in a lifetime. It’s like winning the lottery for baseball lovers like my son Edwin”.

Dismary Tejada, who is one of the executives for the Paterson RBI, she emphasized, "This is just the beginning of this great program in Paterson. This program brings a great opportunity to the youth of the city of Paterson. This is an indication that we can get very far if we open the doors to our youth in this city. "

Pedro Rodriguez, a program executive said, "We are very proud and pleased to provide our young people with opportunities that they have dreamed of. Not only with this tremendous opportunity to go to a field with all-stars players, but we also seek to create high-performance athletes and good citizens, where they become role models for present and future generations. That’s the reason why we are very focused on providing much personal development to our youth. "

Nelson Montero, President of Paterson RBI added: "Edwin is a child engaged in his studies, with good grades and is dedicated to baseball. He came to our organization last year and has had several successes on and off the field thanks to his intelligence and dedication. "

On Monday, July 15, Citi Field will be the scene of the Home Run competition better known as "The Home Run Derby", with the participation of some of the top home run hitters in both leagues (American and National). The teams will be constituted as followed. The American League will be represented by: Robinson Cano (NY Yankees), Prince Fielder (Detroit Tigers), Chris Davis (Baltimore Orioles) and Yoenis Cespedes (Oakland Athletics). The National League will be represented by: David Wright (NY Mets), Bryce Harper (Washington Nationals), Michael Cuddyer (Colorado Rockies) and Pedro Alvarez (Pittsburgh Pirates).

Each of these players will be paired with a child chosen this year by the RBI program of Major League Baseball. If the player who pairs with Mendez wins the competition, the program Edwin Mendez represents, in this case, Paterson RBI, will receive a donation of $ 50,000 to be invested in the conditioning of the baseball field the program chooses. If they don’t win, this program would receive the sum of $ 10,000 to be invested in sports utilities.

The webcast of this event will be carried nationally on ESPN beginning at 8 PM this Monday.

The program "Paterson RBI" is a program that is done in partnership with Major League Baseball. You can find more information about this program by calling 973-750-8RBI (973-750-8724) or on their Facebook page: Paterson RBI.

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